Hawaii Boat Registration: Requirements, Fees & How to Register

Boat Registration vs. Boating License

In Hawaii, boat registration and the boating license (Boater Education Card) are two separate requirements. Registration applies to the vessel itself — it is the legal titling and numbering of your boat with the state. The Boater Education Card applies to you, the operator — it proves you have completed the required safety education. You need both to legally operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp in Hawaii waters.

Who Must Register?

All undocumented vessels (those not documented with the U.S. Coast Guard) that are principally used in Hawaii must be titled and registered with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). This includes motorboats, sailboats with auxiliary motors, and personal watercraft. If your vessel is federally documented with the Coast Guard, separate state registration is not required, but you must still comply with Hawaii numbering requirements.

Registration Fees

Hawaii boat registration fees are straightforward:

• New registration, vessel under 20 feet: $18
• New registration, vessel 20 feet and over: $30
• Annual renewal (all vessels): $20
• Replacement certificate or decals: $10
• Late penalty: 10% of the applicable fee per month (or fraction thereof) that the registration is delinquent

DOBOR accepts cash, checks (pre-printed with address and phone number), and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only).

How to Register Your Boat

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You will need proof of ownership (a notarized bill of sale, notice of transfer, or manufacturer’s statement of origin) and a valid form of identification (Hawaii driver’s license or State of Hawaii ID card).

Step 2: Visit a DOBOR Office in Person

First-time registrations and transfers must be submitted in person at a DOBOR facility. You cannot mail in new registration paperwork. The main DOBOR office is located at 4 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu, HI 96819. There are also DOBOR offices on the neighbor islands. Call (808) 587-1970 for office locations and hours.

Step 3: Complete the Registration Form

Obtain the official registration form at the DOBOR facility. Fill it out completely, submit it with your documents and payment, and you will receive your registration certificate and decals.

Annual Renewal

Boat registration in Hawaii must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is $20 regardless of vessel size. Renewals can be processed online through the DOBOR online services portal at vessel.ehawaii.gov/vessel/. Letting your registration lapse incurs a 10% monthly late penalty, so mark your renewal date.

Display Requirements

Once registered, your vessel must display the registration number on both sides of the bow in block letters at least three inches high. The number must contrast with the hull color and be clearly visible. Current registration decals must be displayed adjacent to the registration number.

Transfer of Ownership

When a vessel changes ownership, the new owner must register the vessel in their name. This requires a visit to a DOBOR office with the appropriate transfer documentation and a new registration fee.